Declining Enrollment
Declining Enrollment
My large Asian school is experiencing a severe case of declining enrollment, severe enough that that the superintendent sent out an all mail yesterday which stated, among other things, that some contracts are not going to be renewed. As a potential job seeker for next year it makes me wonder whether other schools are experiencing the same phenomena or is it just us.
Re: Declining Enrollment
Can you tell us the name of your school, or at least the city? At my school enrollment is up.
Re: Declining Enrollment
I heard from friends that Shanghai American has a big decline.
Mine has a long waiting list, though.
In some asian countries like Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand, some international schools did hike the tuition and parents feel that they are not getting enough value for their money, especially when their kids are planning to go to a local university. So, they transfer to a local school. A decline in parents' income and fewer expats relocating are other reasons. Japan is a prime example, where businesses are shifting base to save costs. ASIJ was significantly impacted due to the mass exodus.
Another reason is that there are cheaper options that give students a near-similar AP or IB experience. Thailand is one such example.
Mine has a long waiting list, though.
In some asian countries like Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand, some international schools did hike the tuition and parents feel that they are not getting enough value for their money, especially when their kids are planning to go to a local university. So, they transfer to a local school. A decline in parents' income and fewer expats relocating are other reasons. Japan is a prime example, where businesses are shifting base to save costs. ASIJ was significantly impacted due to the mass exodus.
Another reason is that there are cheaper options that give students a near-similar AP or IB experience. Thailand is one such example.
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eion_padraig
- Posts: 408
- Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 8:18 pm
Re: Declining Enrollment
I'd say that China specifically has been experiencing a slow down economically, and I think it's fair to say it's having an impact on enrollment at international schools in China that can't/don't enroll non-Chinese. Meanwhile, growth of IB and international sections at Chinese private schools and international sections of public schools continues to be strong. Unfortunately, the first type of schools generally are better places to work. However, there has been some initial indication that Chinese public schools may not be able to charge more for international sections at public schools, so those type of schools may be impacted. Of course in China sometimes those changes never happen, or they happen after a long delay.
They heyday for expats coming to China has probably passed. Heck, it probably passed 5 years ago, but there will continue to be a need for international teachers because there will continue to be an international presence. It may be smaller than before, and schools may need to tighten their budgets with smaller enrollments. My school tends to enroll a fair number of kids whose parents are "returners" to China. They often own their own businesses and are long term residents. Of course, they tend to be price sensitive in ways that embassy/consulate kids are not.
Again, in Asia there are a lot of things at work so from one country to another you'll find different things are happening.
They heyday for expats coming to China has probably passed. Heck, it probably passed 5 years ago, but there will continue to be a need for international teachers because there will continue to be an international presence. It may be smaller than before, and schools may need to tighten their budgets with smaller enrollments. My school tends to enroll a fair number of kids whose parents are "returners" to China. They often own their own businesses and are long term residents. Of course, they tend to be price sensitive in ways that embassy/consulate kids are not.
Again, in Asia there are a lot of things at work so from one country to another you'll find different things are happening.